Wade Schuman is one of the most interesting representational painters working today. He uses the techniques of the past to create timeless narratives. Schuman's influences range the gamut of 17th century art, especially Dutch genre painting. His still-lifes are absolutely sublime. Schuman exhibits regularly at the Forum Gallery in New York.
If you are at all interested in the art of his contemporaries, such as Odd Nerdrum, Alexis Rockman, Vincent Desiderio, or Bo Bartlett, you should certainly check out this inexpensive introduction to his work.